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CFB Week 5: Bulldogs Drown In the Crimson Tide
Alabama continues dominance of Georgia, Ole Miss stunned at home & the Ashton Jeanty show continues.
Christian Medley & Noah Sausville
September 30, 2024
College Football continued to garner the eyes of the nation. An early Game of the Year candidate came down to the last play in Tuscaloosa, multiple top-10 teams lost at home, and a lone Bronco continued to rack up TDs out west. Below is all you need to know about Week 5:
1. #15 Clemson Tigers 3-1 (2-0) |
2. Duke Blue Devils 5-0 (1-0) |
3. #8 Miami Hurricanes 5-0 (1-0) |
4. Boston College Eagles 4-1 (1-0) |
5. SMU Mustangs 4-1 (1-0) |
6. #22 Louisville Cardinals 3-1 (1-0) |
7. Virginia Cavaliers 3-1 (1-0) |
8. Stanford Cardinal 2-2 (1-1) |
9. Syracuse Orange 3-1 (1-1) |
10. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 3-2 (1-2) |
11. Florida State Seminoles 1-4 (1-3) |
12. Pittsburgh Panthers 4-0 |
13. California Golden Bears 3-1 (0-1) |
14. NC State Wolfpack 3-2 (0-1) |
15. North Carolina Tar Heels 3-2 (0-1) |
16. Virginia Tech Hokies 2-3 (0-1) |
17. Wake Forest Demon Deacons 1-3 (0-1) |
Key Performances
Miami 38 - 34 Virginia Tech | A would be game-winning Hail Mary with three seconds left was ruled incomplete after a long review by the officials, sealing the victory for the Hurricanes. Miami trailed for most of the game in their first real test (sorry Florida) of the year. ‘Canes QB Cam Ward (400 total yards & 5 TDs) finally gave them the lead with 1:57 left, in what was a valiant effort by QB Kyron Drones (189 yards & 2 TDs), RB Bhayshul Tuten (141 yards & 1 TD), and the Hokies.
Duke 21 - 20 UNC | New Duke head coach Manny Diaz has the Blue Devils 5-0 after a 20-point comeback versus bitter rivals North Carolina. Duke snapped a six-game losing streak in the series and endured a bounce-back performance from the Tar Heels after getting embarrassed by JMU. Blue Devils RB Star Thomas has been a revelation; he eclipsed 100 yards rushing for the third consecutive game and has 480 yards on the ground this year.
Notable Developments
Notre Dame gets revenge against Louisville | The Fighting Irish avenged a loss that knocked them out of CFP contention in 2023 with a 31-24 victory against the Cardinals. Sealing the victory came down to the last drive, where a delay-of-game penalty on fourth-and-1 led to failed conversion attempt from Louisville. Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard had his best game of the season accounting for 3 total TDs, and the Irish defense forced the Cardinals into three uncharacteristic turnovers.
SMU adds insult to injury for Florida State | The Mustangs put on a show in their ACC home-opener in a dominating performance against the struggling Seminoles. Mustangs QB Kevin Jennings was named the starter only two weeks ago and has not left any doubt: he threw for 254 yards and 3 TDs while RB Brashard Smith continued his stellar season with 129 yards and 1 TD. The issues that have plagued Florida State throughout 2024 are not going away. Uninspired defense, turnovers from QB DJ Uiagalelei, and untimely drops gave the Seminoles no chance.
Look Ahead to Week 6
SMU @ #22 Louisville (-7), Saturday 12:00pm ET | The Cardinals will need to erase a frustrating loss at Notre Dame from their memory to sustain their ACC campaign. The Mustangs come to Louisville riding high after two impressive wins versus FSU and TCU.
#8 Miami (-13) @ California, Saturday 10:30pm ET | The Hurricanes travel coast-to-coast to face an underrated Golden Bears team. Miami and QB Cam Ward will look to get off to a hotter start than they did in a dramatic win versus Virginia Tech.
Sharpshooter Sports had boots on the ground at SHI Stadium Friday night. Rutgers defeated new Big Ten member Washington, 21-18, in their annual Blackout game.
1. #23 Indiana Hoosiers 4-0 (2-0) |
2. #10 Michigan Wolverines 3-1 (1-0) |
3. #3 Ohio State Buckeyes 4-0 (1-0) |
4. #6 Oregon Ducks 4-0 (1-0) |
5. #7 Penn State Nittany Lions 4-0 (1-0) |
6. Rutgers Scarlet Knights 4-0 (1-0) |
7. Iowa Hawkeyes 3-1 (1-0) |
8. #24 Illinois Fighting Illini 4-1 (1-1) |
9. Nebraska Cornhuskers 4-1 (1-1) |
10. #11 USC Trojans 3-1 (1-1) |
11. Michigan State Spartans 3-2 (1-1) |
12. Washington Huskies 3-2 (1-1) |
13. Northwestern Wildcats 2-2 (0-1) |
14. Wisconsin Badgers 2-2 (0-1) |
15. Purdue Boilermakers 1-3 (0-1) |
16. Maryland Terrapins 3-2 (0-2) |
17. Minnesota Golden Gophers 2-3 (0-2) |
18. UCLA Bruins 1-3 (0-2) |
Key Performances
Penn State 21 - 7 Illinois | Beaver Stadium was rocking Saturday Night, and that energy propelled the Nittany Lions to shut down a red-hot Fighting Illini team. The one-two punch at running back for Penn State was key to their win: Nick Singleton ran for 102 yards and 1 TD while Kaytron Allen added 94 yards and another TD. After scoring on their opening drive, Illinois could not continue their early season momentum and were scoreless the rest of the game.
Rutgers 21 - 18 Washington | The Scarlet Knights are 5-0 for the first time since 2012, and grabbed their first conference win versus a talented Washington team. Rutgers own one-two punch at running back helped them seal the win: Kyle Monangai ran for 132 yards and 1 TD while Sam Brown V added a 37-yard score. Huskies QB Will Rogers put on a show with 306 yards and 2 TDs, but Washington’s penalties ultimately were too much to overcome.
Notable Developments
Michigan shuts down Minnesota comeback | Wolverines running back Kalel Mullings (111 yards & 2 TDs) carried Michigan once again as they stifled a late fourth-quarter comeback from the Golden Gophers, winning 27-24. Minnesota would have had a chance to tie or take the lead from a recovered onside kick, but it was called back because of an offsides penalty. Golden Gophers head coach PJ Fleck could find his seat warming if his team continues to struggle.
USC wakes up in 2nd half versus Badgers | The Trojans were booed off the field at halftime in their Big Ten home-opener, but were able to comeback in the 2nd half to beat Wisconsin 38-21. USC QB Miller Moss was outstanding once again with 308 yards and 4 total TDs. The Badgers have been outscored 49-7 in second halves this season, as 2024 seems like it will be a learning experience for head coach Luke Fickell’s team.
Look Ahead to Week 5
Iowa @ #3 Ohio State (20.5), Saturday 3:30pm ET | Iowa’s improved offense will find out if its improved enough to hang with the Buckeyes, as they visit Ohio Stadium. Ohio State looks every bit of a National Championship contender in the early part of 2024.
Rutgers @ Nebraska (-7), Saturday 4:00pm ET | Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano and Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule’s hard-nosed styles of football collide on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Both teams are off to hotter starts than expected, and both will look to continue that momentum.
#11 USC (-9.5) @ Minnesota, Saturday 7:30pm ET | The Trojans travel to Huntington Bank Stadium to play a Golden Gophers team that needs to make a statement. Minnesota gave a valiant effort against Michigan, but will need their offense to be clicking on all cylinders to hang with USC.
Shooting Our Shot
BIG 12 CONFERENCE
1. #17 BYU Cougars 5-0 (2-0) |
2. Colorado Buffaloes 4-1 (2-0) |
3. Texas Tech Red Raiders 4-1 (2-0) |
4. #16 Iowa State Cyclones 4-0 (1-0) |
5. Arizona Wildcats 3-1 (1-0) |
6. West Virginia Mountaineers 2-2 (1-0) |
7. #20 Kansas State Wildcats 4-1 (1-1) |
8. #18 Utah Utes 4-1 (1-1) |
9. UCF Knights 3-1 (1-1) |
10. Cincinnati Bearcats 3-2 (1-1) |
11. TCU Horned Frogs 3-2 (1-1) |
12. Arizona State Sun Devils 3-1 (0-1) |
13. Oklahoma State Cowboys 3-2 (0-2) |
14. Baylor Bears 2-3 (0-2) |
15. Houston Cougars 1-4 (0-2) |
16. Kansas Jayhawks 1-4 (0-2) |
Key Performances
Oklahoma State 20 - 42 Kansas State | Kansas State rebounded from last week’s blowout loss to BYU with a dominant 22-point win over Oklahoma State, pushing the Cowboys to 0-2 in conference play. Kansas State QB Avery Johnson threw for 3 TDs and ran in another 2 while RB DJ Giddens ran for 187 yards and 1 TD.
Arizona 23 - 10 Utah | Arizona also rebounded from their Week 4 loss to steal a game on the road and upset then #10 Utah. Arizona QB Noah Fifita threw for 197 yards and 2 TDs, including a 35-yard connection to Keyan Burnett in the 4th quarter to push Arizona’s lead out of reach for the Utes. Utah QB Isaac Wilson, still filling in for injured Cam Rising, threw for 280 yards, 1 TD and 2 interceptions.
Notable Developments
Colorado continues to silence the haters, move to 2-0 in conference | Despite being out-gained by UCF in total yards, Colorado forced 4 UCF turnovers en route to a dominant 48-21 win in Orlando. Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders threw for 290 yards and 3 TDs while WR/CB Travis Hunter caught 9 balls for 89 yards and 1 TD. Hunter also registered 1 interception and continued to shine on both sides of the ball.
BYU staves off Baylor, moves to 5-0 | A week after dominating Kansas State, BYU built a quick 21-0 lead and held on for a 34-28 win over Baylor. BYU QB Jake Retzlaff threw for 216 yards, 2 TDs and 2 interceptions while also running for a TD. Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson turned in an impressive performance as well, throwing for 324 yards, 3 TDs and 2 interceptions. BYU moves to 2-0 in Big 12 play while Baylor is still looking for their 1st conference win of the year.
Look Ahead to Week 6
Texas Tech @ Arizona (-4), Saturday 11:00pm ET | Two of the remaining undefeated Big 12 teams in conference play face off next Saturday with the Red Raiders traveling to Tucson to battle the Wildcats. Arizona, fresh off an upset win at Utah, is a 4 point favorite over a Texas Tech team on a 3-game win streak. Texas Tech QB Behren Morton ranks 4th in the nation with 14 passing TDs and 12th in passing yards (1,426).
Kansas @ Arizona State (-3), Saturday 8:00pm ET | Kansas will also make the trip to Arizona this weekend to take on the Sun Devils of Arizona State. The Jayhawks, who are currently on a 4-game losing streak, are in search of their first conference win of the season. And so are the Sun Devils. In a battle of the beaten, Arizona State sits as a 3 point favorite.
1. #25 Texas A&M Aggies 4-1 (2-0) |
2. #1 Alabama Crimson Tide 4-0 (1-0) |
3. #13 LSU Tigers 4-1 (1-0) |
4. #9 Missouri Tigers 4-0 (1-0) |
5. #4 Tennessee Volunteers 4-0 (1-0) |
6. #2 Texas Longhorns 5-0 (1-0) |
7. Arkansas Razorbacks 3-2 (1-1) |
8. Florida Gators 2-2 (1-1) |
9. #5 Georgia Bulldogs 3-1 (1-1) |
10. #19 Oklahoma Sooners 4-1 (1-1) |
11. South Carolina Gamecocks 3-1 (1-1) |
12. Kentucky Wildcats 3-2 (1-2) |
13. #12 Ole Miss Rebels 4-1 (0-1) |
14. Vanderbilt Commodores 2-2 (0-1) |
15. Auburn Tigers 2-3 (0-2) |
16. Mississippi State Bulldogs 1-4 (0-2) |
Key Performances
Georgia 34 - 41 Alabama | Nick Saban might be gone but Alabama’s dominance of Georgia continues. The Crimson Tide built a commanding 28-0 lead as QB Jalen Milroe showed why he’s a Heisman hopeful this season. Milroe accounted for 491 total yards (90% of Alabama’s yards) and 4 TDs. Georgia came storming back to take a 34-33 lead with 2:31 left in the game. But Alabama needed just one play to reclaim the lead with a 75-yard touchdown pass from Milroe going to 17-year old Ryan Williams. Georgia QB Carson Beck ended the game with an interception (1 of his 3 in the game) to Alabama DB Zabien Brown. Alabama’s win over Georgia leapfrogged them to #1 in the latest AP poll.
Kentucky 20 - 17 Ole Miss | Two weeks after losing to Georgia by a single point, Kentucky stormed into Oxford and upset Ole Miss as a double digit underdog. Kentucky dominated time of possession, controlling the ball for almost double the amount of time that Ole Miss did (39:43 - 20:17). The Wildcats also won the turnover battle and limited Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart to his lowest passing yard total in a game this season (261). After the loss, Ole Miss dropped 6 spots in the latest AP poll, coming in at #12.
Notable Developments
Texas registers 1st-ever SEC conference win | Texas QB Arch Manning continued to fill in for the injured Quinn Ewers as the Longhorns registered their first conference win. After a slow start, the Longhorns were able to break away from Mississippi State after halftime. Texas overcame 2 fumbles by RB Jaydon Blue as Arch connected with WR DeAndre Moore Jr. for 2 TDs. Despite the win, Texas dropped to #2 in the latest poll due to Alabama’s convincing win over Georgia.
Oklahoma rebounds, defeats Auburn with Red River looming | Oklahoma overcame a 21-10 4th quarter deficit to defeat the Auburn Tigers, 27-21, in Auburn. The Sooners used a 63-yard pick 6 from Kip Lewis to take the lead and extended that lead with a 38-yard FG with less than a minute left to secure the win. Auburn dominated Oklahoma in time of possession (35:26 - 24:34) and total yards (482-291) but couldn’t pull away win the win. Oklahoma secures their first conference win as a member of the SEC. Oklahoma and Texas both have byes in Week 6 and will meet in Week 7 in this year’s rendition of the Red River Showdown.
Look Ahead to Week 6
#9 Missouri @ #25 Texas A&M (-2), Saturday 12:00pm ET | Texas A&M has rattled off 4 straight wins after losing to Notre Dame in Week 1. Missouri remains undefeated after narrowly beating Vanderbilt last week. Something has to give as both teams will face off next Saturday in College Station. A&M QB Conner Weigman’s status is still uncertain as Marcel Reed may be slated to start his 4th straight game.
#12 Ole Miss (-9) @ South Carolina, Saturday 3:30pm ET | Ole Miss will look to rebound following last week’s upset loss as they take on the Gamecocks of South Carolina. South Carolina is coming off a bye week and will be looking to secure a key conference win, but the status of starting QB LaNorris Sellers remains in question.
Best of the Rest
Key Performances
Washington State 24 - 45 Boise State | The Broncos handed the Cougars their first loss of the season as RB Ashton Jeanty ran for 259 yards and 4 TDs. Jeanty leads all of college football in rushing yards (845) and TDs (13) and continues to make his Heisman case. Boise State moves to 3-1 and finds themselves at #21 in the latest AP poll as they continue to separate themselves from the rest of the Group of 5 teams as a CFP hopeful.
Ball State 7 - 63 James Madison | A week after dropping 70 on UNC in Chapel Hill, the Dukes offense continued to roll in dominant fashion, with a 63-7 win over Ball State. Dukes QB Alonza Barnett III threw for 280 yards and 5 TDs as 4 different JMU players caught a TD from Barnett. JMU remains undefeated and will look to challenge Boise State for a spot in the CFP come December.
Notable Developments
Buffalo falls to UConn a week after upsetting NIU | UConn QB Joe Fagnano connected with WR Skyler Bell for 3 TDs as the Huskies dominated the Bulls for a convincing 47-3 win. Buffalo, fresh off an upset win over then-#23 Northern Illinois, only produced 198 total yards of offense (UConn - 537) and scored a lone FG as time expired in the 2nd quarter.
UNLV remains undefeated despite QB drama | The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels improved to 4-0 and find themselves ranked #25 in the latest poll after a blowout 59-14 win over Fresno State on Saturday. UNLV QB Hajj-Malik Williams threw for 182 yards and 3 TDs while also running for 119 yards and 1 TD. Williams took over for Matt Sluka, who led UNLV to a 3-0 record before opting out of the remainder of the season due to a NIL dispute with the university.
Look Ahead to Week 6
Syracuse @ #25 UNLV (-4.5), Friday 9:00pm ET | UNLV is the odds-on favorite to grab the last automatic bid for the CFP, and will need to prove it as they welcome a dangerous Syracuse team to Vegas. The Orange are led by star QB Kyle McCord, who has 1,459 yards passing and 14 TDs.
James Madison (-15.5) @ UL Monroe, Saturday 7:00pm ET | The two teams atop (albeit early) each division within the Sun Belt Conference collide at Malone Stadium. The Dukes have put up 133 points in their last two games, while the Warhawks won their SBC opener last week versus Troy.
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